The review of literature highlights the current approaches to the diagnostics and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis from the positions of large clinical trials and existing recommendations. The classification of criteria and principles of management in accordance with the international program «Treat to target» are observed. The basic aspects of treatment with indication of limitations and merits of the proposed groups of drugs are given. Particular attention is paid to the estimation of the therapy effectiveness in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.